DANNY CARMICHAEL is desperately trying to convince his Queens mates he netted a double against Ayr – because he needs to improve his scoring stats.

But the Dumfries wide man looks to be fighting a losing battle as the runaway leaders’ fourth goal went down as an Austin McCann OG.

Ayr scored first through David Winters but then were blown away by Carmichael, a Ryan McStay OG and strikes from Nicky Clark and Derek Lyle as the Doonhamers moved 11 points clear at the top.

Carmichael, said: “The lads are giving me stick because the second goal has gone down as an OG.

“But I’ve only scored three this season so I’m definitely claiming it. The boy tried to clear it off the line but I’m taking it.

“For my first goal I just drove in past a couple of players and then cut inside. I knew I had hit it sweet but I was buzzing when it hit the top corner.”

Carmichael’s performance drew praise from his manager.

Queens boss Allan Johnston said: “Danny’s first goal was unbelievable and I’m delighted for him. So far we’re on course for promotion but there’s still a long way to go.”

Ayr, who are now deep in drop danger, shocked Queens by taking the lead in 29 minutes when Winters headed home a Kyle McAusland cross.

Queens immediately made a change with Lyle replacing Derek Young. And Ayr only held their lead for three minutes.

Chris Mitchell’s free-kick from the right evaded everyone and was turned into his own net by McStay under pressure from Lyle.

Carmichael seized on a poor headed clearance from Marc Twaddle and shot just past before the away side grabbed the lead two minutes before the interval.

Clark stole in between McStay and McCann to head his 22nd goal of the season. It was game over three minutes into the second half thanks to a stunning goal from Carmichael.

He picked up the ball just inside the Queens half and galloped down the right before cutting inside and lashing it into the top corner.

Queens were gifted a fourth goal in 68 minutes when Ryan McGuffie robbed Brown and crossed for Carmichael and his shot went in off McCann.

Lyle lashed home a fifth goal in 72 minutes.

Furious Ayr manager Mark Roberts said: “The players realise where they are in the league but they need to realise it on the pitch. I’ll be doing everything I can to do to get at least two players for Saturday’s game against Stranraer as that was nowhere near good enough.

“I can’t accept that type of performance. We only held the lead for two minutes but as soon as they scored with an OG there was only going to be one winner. Queens were picking us off at will.

“We’re such a Jekyll and Hyde team. We looked good against Alloa then we sink to this.”